Nevada University Archives and Libraries

Nevada University Archives and Libraries

Nevada’s university libraries and archives serve as vital cultural, academic, and historical resources for students, researchers, and the general public. From mining maps and oral histories to tribal records and digital collections, these institutions preserve the state's rich academic, environmental, and social heritage.

This page offers an overview of Nevada’s key university-affiliated libraries and archives, as well as their public access policies and notable collections.

Major University Library Systems

University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Libraries

• **Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center**: Main academic library at UNR. Supports research in sciences, humanities, business, and engineering.
• **Special Collections and University Archives**:

 * Collects materials related to Nevada history, politics, mining, water law, Indigenous communities, and the Great Basin.
 * Home to the **Basque Library**, the **Great Basin Indigenous Archives**, and extensive **Nevada mining maps** and photographs.
 * Offers digital collections and searchable finding aids online.
 * Website: https://library.unr.edu

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Libraries

• **Lied Library**: Main library serving UNLV students and faculty.
• **Special Collections and Archives**:

 * Focus on **Southern Nevada history**, **Las Vegas gaming and tourism**, **African American experience in Nevada**, **LGBTQ+ collections**, and the **Atomic Age**.
 * Strong oral history collection through the **Oral History Research Center (OHRC)**.
 * Hosts digital exhibits on casinos, civil rights, and local government.
 * Website: https://library.unlv.edu

Additional Academic Institutions

Desert Research Institute (DRI)

• Based in Reno and Las Vegas, DRI conducts environmental science research across Nevada and the West.
• Archives include hydrologic data, atmospheric studies, and satellite imagery.
• Some data collections are available through collaborative portals or project-specific websites.

Great Basin College (GBC) Archives

• Located in Elko, GBC supports rural and tribal students and collects materials on northeastern Nevada.
• Includes the **Great Basin Indian Archives**, documenting tribal oral histories, language programs, and educational outreach.

Public and Shared Digital Archives

• **Digital Nevada**: A shared access portal aggregating materials from UNR, UNLV, and Nevada State Library collections. Includes maps, photographs, newspapers, and oral histories.
• **Mountain West Digital Library**: Nevada institutions contribute to this regional digital hub hosted by the University of Utah.
• **DPLA (Digital Public Library of America)**: Nevada collections are indexed via DPLA and available for search and use nationwide.

Archival Subjects and Strengths

Nevada's university archives are especially strong in:

• **Mining history and cartography**
• **Water rights and environmental law**
• **Gaming, entertainment, and labor history**
• **Civil rights, Indigenous sovereignty, and immigration**
• **Atomic testing and Cold War-era research**
• **Basque, Chinese, and African American communities in Nevada**

Public Access and Use

• Most university archives are **open to the public**, though some materials require appointments or are stored offsite.
• Digital archives and finding aids are available online for browsing and remote research.
• Staff archivists can assist with academic, legal, genealogical, or journalistic inquiries.
• Photocopying, scanning, and reproduction services are usually available (fees may apply).

Library Services

University libraries also offer:

• Interlibrary loan access to national academic databases
• Research tutorials and citation help
• Free or discounted public access to research terminals
• Quiet study space and public programming (lectures, exhibits, author events)